Published: 29th September 2021, last edit: 16th August, 2023
CHE University Ranking
In the current university ranking of the CHE (Centrum für Hochschulentwicklung/Centre for Higher Education Development), TU Darmstadt scores particularly well in the category “Support at the start of studies”.
Before starting your studies: brush up on basic knowledge and close gaps
In some degree programmes, there are preparatory courses or bridge courses that facilitate the subject-related transition between school and university as learning at university is different from learning at school. This is why it is important to get used to it in good time and close any gaps in your basic knowledge. for all degree programmes with mathematical elements, the preparatory course in mathematics is highly recommended.
Mathematics pre-course
The mathematics pre-course of the department of mathematics ist recommended for all STEM and Engineering degree programmes. It lasts five weeks and takes place before the official start of lectures, currently online. In the course, basic knowledge will be repeated, and you can set your own priorities according to your course of study.
ome departments also offer additional preliminary courses or online preparation, such as the programming course offered by the computer science department or the digital welcome package offered by the mechanical engineering department. Just check your department's website in good time and you will find all the information there.
Getting started at TU Darmstadt
The website Getting started at TU Darmstadt provides answers to all important questions about starting your studies. For example, you can find a checklist of what you need to do when, or an overview of all the online platforms available at TU Darmstadt.
At the start of your studies: bundling the most important information and meeting new people
Once you have prepared everything and you’ve arrived in Darmstadt for the start of lectures, the real thing begins – your studies start!
Orientation Week (OWO) – the (almost) most important week in the entire degree programme
For each degree programme, there is an introductory event, in which you receive the most important information about starting and planning your studies. This usually takes place during the orientation week (Orientierungswoche/OWO), which is organised by the respective student body of the department. You will be introduced to TU Darmstadt’s campus management system TUCaN and learn how to find your way around Moodle or other university platforms. And most importantly: the OWO is the ideal opportunity to meet new people and get in touch with your fellow students!
Florian,
Biology B.Sc.
One of the best experiences during my studies is looking after the new first-year students during the OWO. Here, we organize an informative, but of course also fun introduction to studying in groups.
Orientation Week
Orientation week will usually take place before or during the first week of lectures and are usually aimed at Bachelor's students in their first semester. There are often separate introductory events for Master's students.
During the first semester: hang in there
As soon as you have gained an initial overview and have arrived in the semester, you need to keep at it! Here, too, the departments and study areas offer a lot of support. In the mechanical engineering department, for example, an additional mathematics support course (MSK) is offered by the mechanical engineering student body, which takes place during the first semester.
Scientific work – from research to scientific writing – is an important foundation for all courses and fields of study. It is hardly ever a topic at school, which means that working scientifically also has to be learned first. If you find this difficult, the TU Darmstadt also offers various options.
Offers for scientific working
- The University and State Library (Universität- und Landesbibliothek ULB) is the first place to go when it comes to research. However, it not only offers literature, but also many workshops.
- When it comes to academic writing, the Writing Centre can help. There are various advisory services and workshops to improve your writing skills.
Mentoring programmes: benefiting from the experience of others
Experts in a certain field, the mentors, support people who are still inexperienced, the mentees. At TU Darmstadt, there is student as well as professorial mentoring. Student mentoring is carried out by student mentors from higher semesters. They support new students on an equal footing with their studies and self-organisation as well as in everyday university life.
Florian,
Biology B.Sc.
If something lays the foundation for a successful start to studies, it is the student mentoring programme BioPrime. It continues the OWO, provides students with valuable tips and workshops during the first phase of their studies, and ensures that they get to know each other better.
In the case of professorial mentoring, professors or academic staff from university teaching take on the role as a mentor and usually support several students at the same time, mainly professional level. Some mentoring programmes start later and can help with the choice of specialisation, others are a fixed component of the degree programme and are obligatory to take.
Special support for international students
When you start studying in a foreign country or even on a foreign continent, you are confronted even more with completely different challenges. However, TU Darmstadt offers a wide range of support services for international students. The first point of contact for international students is our International Student Services (ISS). Here you will receive support in all non-academic areas. The Language Centre of TU Darmstadt provides language support. There are various language courses for international students, including intensive German courses. The student initiative Tutor international also offers support during the orientation phase, you can find new friends there. There are also special offers for different groups:
- For exchange students who are spending one semester at TU Darmstadt:X-Weeks.
- Degree-seeking students who are completing a full degree programme at TU Darmstadt: PreCIS (Preparatory Course and Support Programme for International Students) and Kick-Off Days.
- For prospective students with a refugee background, TU Darmstadt and the Language Centre offer preparatory courses with a language focus.
- International Master's students in certain STEM programmes can participate in MasterPlus. In this programme, Buddies from your department will support you shortly before and during your first semester.
PreBachelor: a free preparatory semester
For international Bachelor students, we recommend the free preparatory semester PreBachelor: engineering-specific German language course at level C1, a mathematics pre-course, acquisition of study skills and orientation programme – all in one and free of charge one semester before the start of studies!
Catalina,
Biomolecular Engineering B.Sc.
PreCIS not only offers the opportunity to improve my basic maths vocabulary and scientific language and terminology in German, but also to meet other students from different corners of the world.
In addition, some departments and degree programmes have developed their own support services for international students. Su2Ma – Success through Support – Materials Science is aimed at international Master's students in materials science. In the Department of Mathematics, international students are also supported in an extra buddy programme. The BioBuddies help international biology students arrive in Darmstadt.
If you have taken advantage of all the offers available to you, you are perfectly prepared for university life and have laid the best foundation for successful studies. However, if any uncertainties or difficulties arise, get in touch with someone who can help you. The first point of contact can be the study office or the student body of your degree programme. You can get advice independent of your subject from the Central Student Advisory Service and Orientation (ZSB), which is always there for you if you need advice or a second opinion.
Florian
Gude, my name is Flo and I am studying biology for my Bachelor's degree. I was particularly impressed by the high practical component of the degree programme at the TU and on my campus. I'm with students@school so I can support students in their choice of degree programmes with my experiences and impressions of the university as a student ambassador.
Catalina
Hello, I’m Catalina! The Technical University Darmstadt is one of the best technical universities in Germany and is part of the TU9 university network. My degree programme offers a wide range of subjects from different fields. In addition, the university is located in a science city and there are many research opportunities. That's why I chose this university.
